We’re used to an intriguing mix of vehicles at SWVA classic car sales, but its next auction on April 29 is its most diverse for some time

Close to 80 entries were consigned for SWVA’s next sale on April 29 at its Poole base at the time of writing, ranging from a 1924 Willys-Overland Model 91 through to a 2004 MG TF.

In between those two bookends is a whole wealth of potential projects, traditional classics, German prestige and alluring rarities. Likely to be the sale’s headliner is a 1953 Lagonda 3-Litre drophead coupe by Tickford. It’s one of just 20 Mk1 cars built, with a similar example owned by the late Prince Philip selling for £350,000 in 2016. This one, however, is expected to command £60,000-£65,000.

Other British classics include a 1967 Wolseley 6/110 described as “out of the box” and carrying a more modest £6750-£7750 estimate. From the same vendor comes a 1972 Rover P6 V8 in very tidy condition, which is joined in the sale by a 1971 example in the same colour – albeit more of a project. Other Rovers include a 1948 P3-series 75, P4s in 80, 105S and 110 flavours, and a now very rare SD3-generation 213S from 1985. A 1994 Rover Mini Cooper will also be offered, joining a retro-styled 1989 Mini Mayfair and a genuine 1966 Morris Cooper.

Also joining the contingent of traditional Brits are no fewer than three Morris Minors, a 1931 Austin 12/4, two 1950s A40 Sports, a 1988 Bentley Turbo R, a quartet of Triumphs comprising a 2500S estate, a Spitfire, a Stag and a GT6, a Lotus Europa S2, at least five Jaguars and a 1966 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk3. Earliest amongst four MGs, meanwhile, is a glorious supercharged PB from 1935, which is expected to command the best part of £30,000.

The Blue Oval stable is well represented too, with a couple of Mk2 Cortina 1600Es joining a Mk4 Fiesta and a 1999 Cougar. The biggest hitter could well be a 1972 Escort RS1600 though, resplendent in Daytona Yellow and expected to command as much as £55,000.

Elsewhere, those looking for a slice of German prestige will have the choice of two BMWs and five Mercedes-Benz, the latter including an excellent 1996 E320 Cabriolet from 1995 showing a genuine 60,551 miles. A Volkswagen Corrado VR6, a couple of Golf Cabriolets and a 1958 Auto Union Coupe continue the German theme, while further lesser-spotted entries include a 1966 Renault Caravelle, a 1974 Steyr Puch Halfinger 4×4 and a 1993 Honda Civic converted into a pick-up.

We’ve picked out our favourites from the sale below, but for the full catalogue and details on how to bid, visit the SWVA website.

  • Both practical and rare, this ‘Audax’ Hillman Husky shows 63,827 miles and is described as being in outstanding condition. This 1965 Series 3 car was built during the model’s final year, and is estimated at £3500-£4500.
  • The sale’s headliner is this rare 1953 Lagonda 3-Litre drophead coupe by Tickford, which is one of only 270 cars built and just 20 Mk1 variants. Only on the market due to the vendor passing away, it comes with a huge history file to add to its provenance and is expected to sell for £60,000-£65,000.
  • Another rarity in the sale is this distinctive 1966 Renault Caravelle, which has been with the vendor for seven years and comes with a large history file that includes details of its restoration. It’s expected to change hands for £9500-£11,500.
  • One of the sale’s notable lesser-spotted entrants is a 1958 Auto Union Coupe, a model that replaced the earlier DKW-branded variant. This one shows 80,564 miles and a comes with a large folder of history, including letters from the DKW Owners’ Club. It's estimated at £4000-£5000.
  • Resplendent in Bamboo Green, this very smart 1979 Citroën 2CV6 has covered a genuine 73,000 miles, backed up by paperwork that also includes a certificate for Ziebart rust treatment. It’s estimated at £4000-£5000.
  • One of the more modern classics in the sale, this excellent Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet has covered a mere 60,551 warranted miles in the hands of four owners. It originally cost £46,763 when new in 1995, but is now expected to be available for £8000-£10,000.
  • This 1936 MG PB has been treated to a total nut-and-bolt restoration including a new ash frame, and has also been fitted with a period supercharger that even has the MG Logo in the aluminium casting. In wonderful condition, it’s expected to sell for £28,000-£29,750.
  • One of several Fords in the sale is this highly desirable 1972 Mk1 Escort RS1600 in Daytona Yellow. Restored by its previous owner, the car had been treated to upgrades including a rebore to 1.7 litres, high-lift cams and Bilstein suspension. It’s expected to command £50,000-£55,000.
  • Described as box fresh, this Farina-styled Wolseley 6/110 Mk2 from 1967 has had its bodywork and mechanicals restored to a high standard. The red leather interior and woodwork are both in excellent shape, and there’s a comprehensive history file too. It’s estimated at £6750-£7750.
  • Rover SD3s are now seldom seen, especially an earlier car like this 1985 213S. It’s had just three owners and shows a genuine 29,365 miles from new. Given its modest £500-£1500 estimate, it could make for a bargain starter classic.